Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The sole
structure has a peripheral area and a central area located inward from
the peripheral area. The upper is for receiving a foot of a wearer and
has an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer extends from a
throat area of the upper to a lower area of the upper, and the outer
layer is secured at the peripheral area of the sole structure. The inner
layer is located inward of the outer layer and extends from the throat
area to the lower area. The inner layer lays adjacent to the outer layer,
and the inner layer is (a) secured at the central area of the sole
structure and (b) unsecured between the throat area and the central area
of the sole structure.

Claims:

1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure having a
peripheral area and a central area located inward from the peripheral
area; and an upper for receiving a foot of a wearer, the upper having: an
outer layer extending from a throat area of the upper to a lower area of
the upper, and the outer layer being secured at the peripheral area of
the sole structure, and an inner layer located inward of the outer layer
and extending from the throat area to the lower area, the inner layer
laying adjacent to the outer layer, and the inner layer being (a) secured
at the central area of the sole structure and (b) unsecured between the
throat area and the central area of the sole structure.

2. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the outer layer is
secured to the inner layer in the throat area.

3. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the outer layer is
secured to the inner layer, at least one of the outer layer and the inner
layer form a loop in the throat area, and the upper has a lace that
extends through the loop.

4. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the inner layer
extends through an opening in the outer layer, and the inner layer is
joined with a strap.

5. The article of footwear recited in claim 4, wherein the strap extends
from a lateral side to a medial side of the article of footwear.

6. The article of footwear recited in claim 4, wherein the strap is
secured to a fastener on the exterior surface of the footwear.

7. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the inner layer is
located in (a) a lateral side of the article of footwear and (b) a
portion of the upper that receives a ball of the foot.

8. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the inner layer is
located in (a) a medial side of the article of footwear and (b) a portion
of the upper that receives an arch of the foot.

9. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the inner layer is
located in a lateral side of the article of footwear, and another inner
layer is located in a medial side of the article of footwear.

10. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure having an upper
surface and an opposite ground-contacting surface, the upper surface
having a peripheral area and a central area located inward from the
peripheral area; and an upper that defines a void within the footwear for
receiving a foot of a wearer, the upper having a throat area that
includes a lace and a lower area where the upper is secured to the upper
surface of the sole structure, the upper including: (a) an outer layer
extending from the throat area to the lower area, the outer layer being
secured to the peripheral area of the upper surface of the sole
structure; and (b) an inner layer located inward of the outer layer, the
inner layer extending from the throat area to the lower area, the inner
layer laying adjacent to the outer layer and the peripheral area of the
upper surface of the sole structure, the inner layer being secured to the
central area of the upper surface of the sole structure, and the inner
layer being unsecured (a) to the outer layer in a region between the
throat area and the lower area and (b) at the peripheral area of the
upper surface of the sole structure, the outer layer and the inner layer
being secured to each other in the throat area, and the lace being
coupled to the outer layer and the inner layer in the throat area.

11. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the outer layer
and the inner layer form a loop in the throat area, and the lace extends
through the loop.

12. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the inner layer
is located in (a) a lateral side of the article of footwear and (b) at an
interface between a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the article
of footwear.

13. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the inner layer
is located in (a) a medial side of the article of footwear and (b) a
midfoot region of the article of footwear.

14. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the inner layer
is located in a lateral side of the article of footwear, and another
inner layer is located in a medial side of the article of footwear.

15. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the outer layer
includes multiple strata formed from different materials.

16. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the outer layer
forms a portion of an exterior surface of the article of footwear and a
portion of an interior surface that defines a void for receiving a foot
of a wearer.

17. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the outer layer
and the inner layer are formed of unitary, one-piece construction.

18. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure having a
peripheral area and a central area located inward from the peripheral
area; and an upper for receiving a foot of a wearer, the upper having: an
anchor element that includes an outer layer portion and an inner layer
portion, the outer layer portion extending from a throat area of the
upper to a lower area of the upper, and the outer layer portion being
secured at the peripheral area of the sole structure, the inner layer
portion being located within the upper and (a) secured at the central
area of the sole structure and (b) unsecured between the throat area and
the central area of the sole structure, and the inner layer portion
extending through an opening in the upper to form a loop with the outer
layer portion; and a strap coupled to the loop and is securable to a
fastener on the exterior surface of the footwear.

19. The article of footwear recited in claim 18, wherein the strap
extends from a lateral side to a medial side of the article of footwear.

20. The article of footwear recited in claim 18, wherein the strap
extends across the throat area of the upper.

21. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure having a
peripheral area and a central area located inward from the peripheral
area; and an upper defining a void for receiving a foot of a wearer, the
upper having: an inner layer extending from a throat area of the upper to
a lower area of the upper, the inner layer being located within the void
and secured at the central area of the sole structure, the inner layer
being unsecured between the throat area and the central area of the sole
structure, and an end area of the inner layer extending through an
opening in the upper; and a strap that is coupled to the end area of the
inner layer and is securable to a fastener on the exterior surface of the
footwear.

22. The article of footwear recited in claim 21, wherein the strap
extends from a lateral side to a medial side of the article of footwear.

23. The article of footwear recited in claim 21, wherein the strap
extends across the throat area of the upper.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-part application
and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/895,442, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office on 30 Sep. 2010 and entitled Footwear With Internal Harness, such
prior U.S. patent application being entirely incorporated herein by
reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] An article of footwear generally includes two primary elements: an
upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of
material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, polymer foam
layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively
bonded together to form a void within the footwear for comfortably and
securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure
that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and
lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper
may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit of the footwear, as
well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the
upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the
lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear.

[0003] The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and
positioned between the foot and the ground. In athletic footwear, for
example, the sole structure often includes a midsole and an outsole. The
midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground
reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) during walking, running, and
other ambulatory activities. The midsole may also include fluid-filled
chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate
forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, for
example. In some configurations, the midsole may be primarily formed from
a fluid-filled chamber. The outsole forms a ground-contacting element of
the footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant
rubber material that includes texturing to impart traction. The sole
structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the void of the
upper and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear
comfort.

[0004] A conventional method of manufacturing an article of footwear
involves the use of a lasting process. More particularly, a majority of
the upper is formed and placed around a last, which has a general shape
of a foot. Various processes are then utilized to conform the upper to
the last, thereby imparting the general shape of the foot to the void
within the upper. The sole structure is then secured to a lower area of
the upper (e.g., through stitching or adhesive bonding) to substantially
complete manufacturing.

SUMMARY

[0005] Numerous aspects and variations of an article of footwear are
disclosed below. The footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The
sole structure has a peripheral area and a central area located inward
from the peripheral area. The upper is for receiving a foot of a wearer
and has an outer layer and an inner layer. In some configurations, the
outer layer extends from a throat area of the upper to a lower area of
the upper, and the outer layer is secured at the peripheral area of the
sole structure. In some configurations, the inner layer is located inward
of the outer layer and extends from the throat area to the lower area. In
some configurations, the inner layer lays adjacent to the outer layer,
and the inner layer is (a) secured at the central area of the sole
structure and (b) unsecured between the throat area and the central area
of the sole structure. In some configurations, the combination of these
features may provide a more proper and secure fit for feet with different
proportions.

[0006] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of
the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.
To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of
novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive
matter and accompanying figures that describe and illustrate various
configurations and concepts related to the invention.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

[0007] The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying
figures.

[0008]FIG. 1 is a lateral side elevational view of an article of
footwear.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a medial side elevational view of the article of
footwear.

[0010] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the article of
footwear, as respectively defined by section lines 3A and 3B in FIGS. 1
and 2.

[0011] FIGS. 4A-4C are cross-sectional views corresponding with FIG. 3B
and depicting various sizes of a foot within the article of footwear.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5E are cross-sectional views corresponding with FIG. 3B
and depicting further configurations of the article of footwear.

[0013] FIGS. 6A-6D are lateral side elevational views corresponding with
FIG. 1 and depicting further configurations of the article of footwear.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a medial side elevational view corresponding with FIG. 2
and depicting a further configuration of the article of footwear.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a lateral side elevational view corresponding with FIG. 1
and depicting a further configuration of the article of footwear.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear, as
defined by section line 9 in FIG. 8.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a lateral side elevational view corresponding with FIG.
1 and depicting a further configuration of the article of footwear.

[0018] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the article of
footwear, as defined by section lines 11A and 11B in FIG. 10.

[0019] FIGS. 12 and 14 are partial perspective views of a further
configuration of the article of footwear.

[0020]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear, as
defined by section line 13 in FIG. 12.

[0021] FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views corresponding with FIG.
13 and depicting further configurations of the article of footwear.

[0022] FIGS. 16 and 17 are side elevational views respectively
corresponding with FIGS. 1 and 2 and depicting a further configuration of
the article of footwear.

[0023]FIG. 18 is a partial top plan view of the configuration of the
article of footwear depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various
configurations of an article of footwear that incorporates a layered fit
system. The footwear is disclosed, for purposes of example, as having the
configuration of a basketball shoe. Concepts associated with the
footwear, including the layered fit system, may also be applied to a
variety of other athletic footwear types, including baseball shoes,
cross-training shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, running shoes,
sprinting shoes, tennis shoes, golf shoes, soccer shoes, walking shoes,
hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, and ice and roller skates, for
example. The concepts may also be applied to footwear types that are
generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers,
sandals, and work boots. A wide variety of footwear types may, therefore,
incorporate the concepts disclosed herein.

[0025] General Footwear Configuration

[0026] An article of footwear 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including
a sole structure 20 and an upper 30. Sole structure 20 is secured to a
lower area of upper 30 and extends between upper 30 and the ground. Upper
30 provides a comfortable and secure covering for a foot of a wearer. As
such, the foot may be located within upper 30, which effectively secures
the foot within footwear 10, and sole structure 20 extends under the foot
to attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the
foot, for example. Additional details of footwear 10 are depicted in the
cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0027] For purposes of reference in the following discussion, footwear 10
may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region 11, a
midfoot region 12, and a heel region 13. Forefoot region 11 generally
includes portions of footwear 10 corresponding with the toes and the
joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 12
generally includes portions of footwear 10 corresponding with an arch
area of the foot. Heel region 13 generally corresponds with rear portions
of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Footwear 10 also includes a
lateral side 14 and a medial side 15, which extend through each of
regions 11-13 and correspond with opposite sides of footwear 10. More
particularly, lateral side 14 corresponds with an outside area of the
foot (i.e. the surface that faces away from the other foot), and medial
side 15 corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface
that faces toward the other foot). Regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 are not
intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 10. Rather, regions 11-13
and sides 14-15 are intended to represent general areas of footwear 10 to
aid in the following discussion. In addition to footwear 10, regions
11-13 and sides 14-15 may also be applied to sole structure 20, upper 30,
and individual elements thereof.

[0028] Sole structure 20 includes a midsole 21, an outsole 22, and a
sockliner 23. Midsole 21 is secured to a lower surface of upper 30 and
may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a
polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction
forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and
the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In
further configurations, midsole 21 may incorporate fluid-filled chambers,
plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces,
enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, or midsole 21
may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber. Outsole 22 forms a
ground-contacting surface of sole structure 20 that is secured to a lower
surface of midsole 21 and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber
material with texturing to impart traction. Sockliner 23 is located
within upper 30, as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and is positioned to
extend under a lower surface of the foot. Although this configuration for
sole structure 20 provides an example of a sole structure that may be
used in connection with upper 30, a variety of other conventional or
nonconventional configurations for sole structure 20 may also be
utilized. Accordingly, the structure and features of sole structure 20 or
any sole structure utilized with upper 30 may vary considerably.

[0029] Various portions of upper 30 may be formed from one or more of a
plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheets, foam
layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or bonded together
to form a void within footwear 10 for receiving and securing a foot
relative to sole structure 20. The void is shaped to accommodate the foot
and extends along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of
the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. Access to
the void is provided by an ankle opening 31 located in at least heel
region 13. A lace 32 extends through various lace-receiving elements 33
and permits the wearer to modify dimensions of upper 30 to accommodate
the proportions of the foot. More particularly, lace 32 permits the
wearer to tighten upper 30 around the foot, and lace 32 permits the
wearer to loosen upper 30 to facilitate entry and removal of the foot
from the void (i.e., through ankle opening 31). Lace-receiving elements
33 are depicted as having two configurations: (a) apertures extending
through upper 30 and (b) loops of material. In further configurations,
lace-receiving elements 33 may also be eyelets, grommets, hooks, D-rings,
or any other structure that receives lace 32. In addition, upper 30
includes a tongue 34 that extends between the interior void and lace 32
to enhance the comfort of footwear 10. In some configurations, upper 30
may incorporate a heel counter that limits heel movement in heel region
13 or a wear-resistant toe guard located in forefoot region 11.

[0030] A lasting process may be utilized in the manufacture of footwear
10. More particularly, a majority of upper 30 is formed and placed around
a last, which has the general shape of a foot. In order to tighten upper
30 around the last, thereby imparting the general shape of the foot to
the void within upper 30, a strobel material 35 may be secured to a lower
perimeter of upper 30 and stretched across an area of the last
corresponding with a lower surface of the foot. Sole structure 20 is then
secured to the lower perimeter of upper 30 and strobel material 35
through one or a combination of adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, and
stitching, for example.

[0031] For reference purposes, upper 30 may include a throat area 36 and a
lower area 37, as generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Throat area 36
includes a portion of upper 30 that generally corresponds with an upper
surface of the foot. More particularly, throat area 36 encompasses an
area of upper 30 that includes lace 32, lace-receiving elements 33, and
tongue 34. Lower area 37 includes a portion of upper 30 that generally
corresponds with a lower surface of the foot. More particularly, lower
area 37 encompasses the area of upper 30 where the lower perimeter of
upper 30 and strobel material 35 join with sole structure 20.

[0032] Fit System Configuration

[0033] Footwear 10 incorporates a layered fit system 40 that assists with
securing a foot within the void in upper 30. More particularly, layered
fit system 40 ensures that portions of upper 30 lay against the foot and
properly secure the foot within upper 30. As discussed in detail below,
layered fit system 40 adjusts to accommodate feet with various
proportions. As a result, layered fit system 40 may provide a more proper
and secure fit for different people, each of which have feet with
different proportions.

[0034] Layered fit system 40 primarily includes an outer layer 41 and an
inner layer 42. Outer layer 41 extends throughout upper 30 and forms a
majority of an exterior surface of upper 30 and an interior surface of
upper 30. As such, outer layer 41 may be formed from a plurality of
material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather,
synthetic leather) that are stitched or bonded together to form a
majority of upper 30. Inner layer 42 is positioned inward of outer layer
41 and primarily located within the void in upper 30. Inner layer 42 is
also positioned in lateral side 14 and at a location corresponding with a
forward area of midfoot region 12. As such, inner layer 42 is positioned
to generally correspond with a ball of the foot, which includes the
joints between the metatarsal bones and the proximal phalanges of the
foot.

[0035] Layers 41 and 42 are secured to each other in throat area 36 and
form a loop that provides the structure for one of lace-receiving
elements 33. Although the manner of joining layers 41 and 42 in throat
area 36 may vary, layers 41 and 42 are depicted as being secured (e.g.,
with stitching, bonding) to each other in an overlapping configuration.
In lower area 37, layers 41 and 42 are secured to other elements of
footwear 10 and in areas that are spaced from each other. More
particularly, outer layer 41 is secured to one or both of (a) an edge of
strobel material 35 and (b) a peripheral area of an upper surface of sole
structure 20. Inner layer 42 is secured to one or both of (a) a central
area of strobel material 35 and (b) a central area of the upper surface
of sole structure 20. Additionally, inner layer 42 is unsecured in the
peripheral area of sole structure 20. The manner in which layers 41 and
42 are secured (e.g., with stitching, bonding) in lower area 37 and the
specific element to which layers 41 and 42 are secured may vary. In
general, however, outer layer 41 is secured at a position corresponding
with or adjacent to the peripheral area of sole structure 20, and inner
layer 42 is (a) secured at a position corresponding with or adjacent to
the central area of sole structure 20 and (b) unsecured in the peripheral
area.

[0036] Inner layer 42 is generally unsecured to other portions of footwear
100 between throat area 36 and the central area of sole structure 20.
Inner layer 42 is, therefore, unsecured to the inward facing surface of
outer layer 41, as well as areas of footwear 10 that form or are adjacent
to the peripheral area of sole structure 20. Opposite ends of inner layer
42 are, however, secured (a) at the position corresponding with or
adjacent to the central area of sole structure 20 and (b) to outer layer
41 to form the loop that provides the structure for one of lace-receiving
elements 33.

[0037] Layers 41 and 42 are separate from or unsecured to each other
between throat area 36 and lower area 37. That is, portions of layers 41
and 42 may lay against each other between areas 36 and 37, but are
generally unsecured and may move, deflect, or stretch independently
between areas 36 and 37. An advantage of the independence between layers
41 and 42 relates to providing a more proper and secure fit for feet with
different proportions.

[0038] An example of the manner in which layered fit system 40 operates to
accommodate feet with different proportions is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C,
in which one of a foot 16, a foot 17, or a foot 18 is located within
upper 30. Feet 16-18 have different proportions, with (a) foot 16 being
larger than foot 17 and (b) foot 17 being larger than foot 18. Referring
to FIG. 4A, foot 16 effectively spans the entire width of sole structure
20 and substantially fills the void within upper 30. Note that layers 41
and 42 lay against each other in the region between throat area 36 and
lower area 37, but a relatively small gap 19 is formed between layers 41
and 42 adjacent to the peripheral area of sole structure 20. At the
location of gap 19, however, inner layer 42 ensures that sockliner 23
lays against foot 16 to assist with imparting a proper and secure fit.
Referring to FIG. 4B, foot 17 is located within the void in upper 30.
Foot 17 has a lesser width than foot 16 and may span less of the width of
sole structure 20 than foot 16. Note that layers 41 and 42 lay against
each other in the region between throat area 36 and lower area 37, but a
larger gap 19 (when compared to FIG. 4A) is formed between layers 41 and
42 adjacent to the peripheral area of sole structure 20. At the location
of this gap, however, inner layer 42 assist with ensuring that sockliner
23 lays against foot 17 to impart a proper and secure fit. Referring to
FIG. 4c, foot 18 is located within the void in upper 30. Foot 18 has a
lesser width than foot 17 and may span less of the width of sole
structure 20 than foot 17. Note that layers 41 and 42 lay against each
other in the region between throat area 36 and lower area 37, but an even
larger gap 19 (when compared to FIGS. 4A and 4B) is formed between layers
41 and 42 adjacent to the peripheral area of sole structure 20. At the
location of this gap, however, inner layer 42 assist with ensuring that
sockliner 23 lays against foot 18 to impart a proper and secure fit.
Accordingly, layered fit system 40 adjusts to ensure that inner layer 42
lays against any of feet 16-18, thereby imparting a proper and secure
fit.

[0039] Either of layers 41 and 42 may be formed from materials
conventionally utilized in footwear uppers (e.g., textiles, polymer
sheets, leather, synthetic leather), as well as other materials that
exhibit suitable properties for layered fit system 40. Although many
materials may be utilized, an advantage may be gained by selecting a
material for inner layer 42 with relatively little stretch. Given that
inner layer 42 lays against a foot and may provide some support for the
foot, forming inner layer 42 from a material with relatively little
stretch may ensure that inner layer 42 continues to impart support when
placed in tension during walking, running, or cutting (i.e.,
side-to-side) movements. Other properties that may be beneficial for
inner layer 42 include resistance to moisture (e.g., perspiration) and
relatively high tensile strength.

[0040] Further Configurations

[0041] The various features discussed above provide an example of one
configuration for footwear 10 and layered fit system 40. In further
configurations, however, numerous features of footwear 10 and layered fit
system 40 may vary to impart a variety of properties to footwear 10. For
example, features or other aspects of layered fit system 40 may vary to
tailor footwear 10 to particular athletic activities. Although various
examples of further configurations are discussed below, a variety of
other configurations may also fall within the scope of the present
discussion. Moreover, although many of the configurations are discussed
and depicted separately, features from some configurations may be
utilized in combination with features from other configurations.

[0042] Whereas inner layer 42 is depicted in FIG. 3B as being secured at a
position corresponding with a center of sole structure 20, inner layer 42
may be secured in other locations in the central area of sole structure
20. For example, FIG. 5A depicts a configuration in which inner layer 42
is secured at a location that is approximately one-third of a distance
from lateral side 14 and medial side 15. As a similar example, FIG. 5B
depicts a configuration in which inner layer 42 is secured at a location
that is approximately two-thirds of a distance from lateral side 14 and
medial side 15. Although inner layer 42 is secured at a position
corresponding with the central area of sole structure 20 in each of these
examples, inner layer 42 is generally unsecured in the peripheral area.

[0043] Outer layer 41 may be a single layer or a plurality of layers. Each
layer may impart various properties. Referring to FIG. 5c, outer layer 41
is depicted as having a thickness that includes an outer stratum 51, an
intermediate stratum 52, and an inner stratum 53, each of which may be
formed from different materials (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers,
polymer foam layers, leather, synthetic leather). For example, outer
stratum 51 may be an element of synthetic leather that imparts durability
(e.g., wear-resistance) and stretch-resistance, intermediate stratum 52
may be an element of polymer foam that enhances the comfort of footwear
10, and inner stratum 53 may be a textile element that is comfortable
against the foot and absorbs moisture (e.g., perspiration).

[0044] Layered fit system 40, particularly inner layer 42, is depicted as
being primarily located on lateral side 14. Referring to FIG. 5D,
however, inner layer 42 is depicted as being located on medial side 15.
More particularly, inner layer 42 (a) is secured to a position
corresponding with the central area of sole structure 20, (b) is
unsecured in the peripheral area, and (c) extends through medial side 15.
Another configuration is depicted in FIG. 5E, wherein layered fit system
40 includes two inner layers 42 that (a) are secured to a position
corresponding with the central area of sole structure 20, (b) are
unsecured in the peripheral area, and (c) extend to each of lateral side
14 and medial side 15. As such, concepts associated with layered fit
system 40 may be applied to either or both of sides 14 and 15 of footwear
10.

[0045] A further configuration of footwear 10 is depicted in FIG. 6A,
wherein inner layer 42 has greater width and extends through a larger
portion of lateral side 14. Layers 41 and 42 form two lace-receiving
loops 33. Referring to FIG. 6B, a second inner layer 42 is associated
with lateral side 14 and is positioned to extend through portions of
regions 12 and 13. The second inner layer 42 is secured to the central
area of sole structure 20 in heel region 13, extends upwardly at an angle
towards midfoot region 12, and is secured to outer layer 41 and forms a
lace-receiving element 33. An advantage of this configuration is that the
two inner layers 42 cooperatively provide support for the ball of the
foot and a rear area of the foot. Another configuration is depicted in
FIG. 7, wherein inner layer 42 is located on medial side 15 and extends
through midfoot region 12. Accordingly, the locations and extent of inner
layer 42 in layered fit system 40 may vary considerably.

[0046] The various figures discussed above depict a configuration of
footwear 10 that is a basketball shoe. Concepts associated with layered
fit system 40 may also be applied to other types of footwear. For
example, FIG. 6C depicts footwear 10 as having a configuration of a
tennis shoe, and FIG. 6D depicts footwear 10 as having a configuration of
a sprinting shoe. As such, a wide variety of footwear types may
incorporate the concepts disclosed herein.

[0047] In the configurations discussed above, outer layer 41 forms a part
of or is integrated with the plurality of material elements that are
stitched or bonded together to form a majority of upper 30. In other
configurations, outer layer 41 may be separate from the material elements
forming upper 30 and may be formed of unitary (i.e., one-piece)
configuration with inner layer 42. As an example, FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a
configuration wherein one portion of inner layer 42 is secured to an
exterior of upper 30 and another portion of inner layer 42 is located
within upper 120. As in the various configurations discussed above, inner
layer 42 (a) is secured to a position corresponding with the central area
of sole structure 20 and (b) is unsecured in the peripheral area.
Moreover, layers 41 and 42 are formed from a common element of material,
which negates the overlapping configuration that joined layers 41 and 42
in prior configurations.

[0048] Although layers 41 and 42 may be secured to each other in throat
area 36, layers 41 and 42 may also be unsecured in some configurations.
Referring to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B, for example, layers 41 and 42 lay
adjacent to each other and define a plurality of alternating apertures
that form the various lace-receiving elements 33, with lace 32 extending
through the apertures. As with other configurations, outer layer 41 is
secured at a position corresponding with a peripheral area of sole
structure 20, and inner layer 42 is (a) secured at a position
corresponding with a central area of sole structure 20 and (b) unsecured
in the peripheral area. When lace 32 is tightened, each of layers 41 and
42 are independently tightened around the foot through tension at each of
the apertures forming lace-receiving elements 33. Inner layer 42 also
wraps around the foot to impart a proper and secure fit.

[0049] Strap Configurations

[0050] In each of the configurations discussed above, lace 32 is utilized
to tension each of layers 41 and 42 and secure the foot within upper 30.
As an alternative, FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a configuration wherein a strap
61 is used to adjust tension. The material of strap 61 forms a loop on
lateral side 14 that receives a ring 62 (e.g., a D-ring or double
D-ring). Strap 61 extends across upper 20 and to medial side 15, where
strap 61 is joined to a fastener 63 (e.g., hook-and-loop fastener,
magnetic fastener). Additionally, inner layer 42 extends through an
opening 64 in upper 30 to form the loop with outer layer 41 that receives
ring 62. Although ring 62 is utilized to couple strap 61 to layers 41 and
42, other joining structures may be utilized, or strap 61 may be directly
secured to the anchor element formed by layers 41 and 42. It should be
noted that layers 41 and 42 are depicted as being formed from a single
element of material (i.e., unitary construction), and the combination of
layers 41 and 42 may be termed an anchor layer, but layers 41 and 42 may
also be joined elements.

[0051] Strap 61 is utilized to impart tension to at least inner layer 42,
thereby helping to ensure that inner layer 42 wraps around and lays
against the foot to impart a proper and secure fit. The wearer may
separate strap 61 from fastener 63, as depicted in FIG. 14, and pull
upward on strap 61 to place at least inner layer 42 in tension. Once
inner layer 42 contacts and wraps securely around the foot, the wearer
may pull strap 61 to medial side 15 and secure strap 61 to fastener 63.

[0052] In another configuration, which is depicted in FIG. 15A, the end of
strap 61 extends through ring 62 and is joined to upper 30 in throat area
36. Additionally, the end of strap 61 defines one or more of the
apertures that form lace-receiving elements 33. An advantage of this
configuration is that the end of strap 61 may effectively reinforce the
apertures in the area of strap 61.

[0053]FIG. 15B depicts another configuration wherein inner layer 42 alone
also forms a loop that receives ring 62. That is, the end of inner layer
42 extends through ring 62 and is joined to itself to form the loop that
receives ring 62.

[0054] In each of the configurations depicted in FIGS. 12-15B, tensioning
strap 61 induces inner layer 42 to provide support for the foot, thereby
imparting a proper and secure fit. Also, although ring 62 is utilized to
couple strap 61 in the configurations of FIGS. 15A and 15B, other joining
structures may be utilized, or strap 61 may be directly secured to the
anchor element formed by one or both of layers 41 and 42.

[0055] Exemplary Configuration

[0056] The various configurations discussed above and depicted in the
figures provide examples of the numerous features that may be
incorporated into footwear 10. Although many of the configurations are
discussed and depicted separately, features from some configurations may
be utilized in combination with features from other configurations. FIGS.
16 and 17 depict footwear 10 as incorporating three structures with the
features of layered fit system 40. More particularly, footwear 10
includes an inner layer 71 located on lateral side 14, an inner layer 72
also located on lateral side 14, and an inner layer 73 located on medial
side 15. Each of these layers 71-73 correspond in function and structure
to the various configurations of inner layer 42 discussed above. As such,
layers 71-73 form anchor elements and assist with providing a proper and
secure fit for feet with different proportions.

[0057] Inner layer 71 is positioned to generally correspond with a ball of
the foot, which includes the joints between the metatarsal bones and the
proximal phalanges of the foot. In comparison with configurations of
inner layer 42 previously described, inner layer 71 exhibits greater
width and covers, therefore, a greater area of the foot. Although the
position of inner layer 71 may vary considerably, a center of inner layer
71 may be generally positioned at 60 to 80 percent of a distance from a
rear surface of the void within upper 20 to a front surface of the void
within upper 20. When dimensioned for a men's US size 9 shoe, for
example, inner layer 71 may have a width of approximately 60 millimeters.
In some configurations, inner layer 71 may be a single sheet of material
that (a) is secured at a position corresponding with the central area of
sole structure 20, (b) is unsecured in the peripheral area, and (c)
extends upward along the interior surface of upper 20 to throat area 36.
In other configurations, inner layer 71 may be two or more separate
sheets of material that impart an articulated aspect.

[0058] Inner layer 72 is positioned to generally correspond with a rear
area of the foot. Although the position of inner layer 72 may vary
considerably, a center of a portion of inner layer 72 that is adjacent to
sole structure 20 may be generally positioned at 25 to 30 percent of a
distance from the rear surface of the void within upper 20 to the front
surface of the void within upper 20. That is, the portion of inner layer
72 that is (a) is secured in heel region 13 to a position corresponding
with the central area of sole structure 20 and (b) is unsecured in the
peripheral area may positioned at 25 to 30 percent of a distance from the
rear to front surface of the void within upper 20. Additionally, inner
layer 72 extends forwardly and at an upward angle along the interior
surface of upper 20 to throat area 36.

[0059] Inner layer 73 is positioned to generally correspond with an arch
of the foot. Although the position of inner layer 73 may vary
considerably, a center of inner layer 73 may be generally positioned at
45 to 50 percent of a distance from the rear surface of the void within
upper 20 to the front surface of the void within upper 20. When
dimensioned for a men's US size 9 shoe, for example, inner layer 73 may
have a width of at least 50 millimeters. In general, inner layer 73 (a)
is secured at a position corresponding with the central area of sole
structure 20, (b) is unsecured in the peripheral area, and (c) extends
upward along the interior surface of upper 20 to throat area 36. In other
configurations, inner layer 71 may be two or more separate sheets of
material that impart an articulated aspect.

[0060] An additional aspect relating to inner layer 73 is the presence of
a strap 74. Although strap 74 may have various configurations, strap 74
may also exhibit any of the structures discussed above for strap 61. As
such, strap 74 may interface with inner layer 73 in the same manner as
strap 61 interfaced with layers 41 and 42 in FIGS. 12-15B. In operation,
tensioning strap 74 induces inner layer 73 to provide support for the
foot, thereby imparting a proper and secure fit.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment is illustrated wherein an
angle 75 is formed between (a) a first line that extends at a right angle
to a longitudinal axis 76 of footwear 10 and (b) a second line that
extends through two apertures forming the lace-receiving elements 33
positioned closest to a front of footwear 10. These two apertures are
located between both of inner layers 71 and 73. In effect, this this
location for the two apertures aligns lace 32 with the tensioning force
that is generated between inner layers 71 and 73 during cutting
movements, which may impart greater stability to footwear 10.

[0062] The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying figures
with reference to a variety of configurations. The purpose served by the
disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and
concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous
variations and modifications may be made to the configurations described
above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as
defined by the appended claims.